Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Butter Chilled Seafood Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A refreshing cold pasta dish with shrimp and crab, tossed in a rich garlic butter dressing with bright citrus notes, tender seafood, and al dente pasta. Perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup lump crab meat
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Add crab meat and lemon juice, and gently toss to coat. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, the shrimp and crab mixture, red onion, and chopped parsley. Add garlic butter mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Optionally garnish with chopped basil and lemon slices before serving. Serve chilled.

Notes

You can substitute shrimp and crab with another cold seafood of choice, such as canned tuna or cold lobster meat.
Make ahead tip: Chilling the dish enhances the flavor, and it can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Drain excess moisture from seafood before combining with the dressing to maintain a clean texture.

  • Author: Amelie Harper
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Mediterranean Mornings
  • Method: Sautéing and Boiling
  • Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low-Carb

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 240mg